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University of Louisville vs Murray State University

University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, KY, and Murray State University is a public university in Murray, KY. University of Louisville is the more selective of the two, admitting about 79% of applicants against 86% at Murray State University. Murray State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,096 a year against $17,988 at University of Louisville. About 61% of students graduate at University of Louisville, compared with 60% at Murray State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Louisville alumni earn a median of about $53,899, against $44,737 for Murray State University.

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University of Louisville

Louisville, KY · Public

Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Louisville, KY
Murray, KY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
14,727
6,688
Acceptance rate
79%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1270
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
19–27
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,988
$9,096
Full cost / yr
$32,941
$23,485
In-state tuition
$13,136
$9,900
Out-of-state tuition
$29,482
$19,836
Application fee
$30
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,138
$6,242
$30k - $48k
$14,601
$6,347
$48k - $75k
$16,419
$8,104
$75k - $110k
$20,995
$12,811
Over $110k
$25,186
$15,450
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
60%
Freshman retention
81%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,571
$38,473
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,899
$44,737
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
33%
First-generation students
30%
34%
International students
2%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Louisville or Murray State University harder to get into?
University of Louisville is harder to get into. It admits about 79% of applicants, compared with 86% at Murray State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or Murray State University?
Murray State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,096 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,988 at University of Louisville. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Louisville and Murray State University?
Before aid, Murray State University costs about $23,485 a year and University of Louisville about $32,941. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Louisville or Murray State University?
Murray State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,242 there, against about $15,138 at University of Louisville. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Louisville or Murray State University?
University of Louisville is the larger of the two, with about 14,727 undergraduates against 6,688 at Murray State University.
Does University of Louisville or Murray State University have a better graduation rate?
University of Louisville has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 60% at Murray State University.
Do graduates of University of Louisville or Murray State University earn more?
University of Louisville alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,899 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,737 for Murray State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Louisville and Murray State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Louisville is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Murray State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Louisville and Murray State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1270 at University of Louisville and 940–1170 at Murray State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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